Hi all,
Picked up this old tiger oak library table for $175. I’ve completely disassembled it and it’s in great condition. It’s also big (72″ x 35.5″) and heavy. I want to restore and sell it, and while I would like to leave it the original color, most people aren’t into the golden oak stain color anymore.
I’ve had a French oak desk and bookshelf (last two images below) for years stained an espresso (dark brown) color and finished with wax that I really like. I’m thinking of doing a similar color on the library desk, but still want to see the figure of the wood.
Pretty sure the existing finish on the desk is poly. If at all possible, I would like to avoid sanding the table down to raw wood. Can I lightly sand the existing poly and apply coats of a stain until I reach the desired darkness, and have the new stain and finish coat adhere well? I’m thinking maybe a gel-based stain?
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Replies
Also, do you think the 43 on the drawer bottom means it was made in 1943?
Just clean it, wax it with a good paste wax, and sell it. You will not get good stain results unless you sand it down to bare wood. Also, if you change the existing (original) color, you will probably adversely affect the value.
No stain will work over top of an existing finish. The only thing that will would be a tinted poly but they can be tricky to use and are best sprayed. Since you had to ask the question I would venture you are not an experienced furniture finisher and could likely do more harm than good. I'm with bilyo clean it well, wax it, sell it. Many a good piece of older furniture has been devalued by well intended refinishing even if it's well done.
I agree with bilyo. To redo it right would require complete removal of any polyurethane. Poly is of course a plastic film which protects the the wood from moisture (and restaining). Clean, wax with 0000 steel wool, let it dry, then buff it out. Should look great. Oh, and the 43 6 on the bottom is likely a date code. June 1943. I found something similar on a mid century sofa table that I cleaned up.
It's old enough that it's not poly, but varnish or laquer. Putting stain, or highly tinted finish on top is really nothing more than paint. You are completely obscuring the wood underneath.
Please don't obscure that beautiful quartersawn white oak. People pay a large premium for that look. Covering it up is just lowering its value.
As others said, clean it and wax it.
Also, see how the grain is different on the bottom as opposed to the top? It's veneer, and could be easily wrecked if you do too much.
The 43 on the bottom are likely just factory marks of some kind. They were not building stuff like this during the war. I'd say this table is older than that anyway.
Nice catch on the veneer. John
It is veneer John. Didn't realize that. Given the age of the table, the veneer is in perfect condition. No separation or peeling anywhere. Thanks for the info!
Most definitely agree with above poster bilyo..."Just clean it, wax it with a good paste wax, and sell it. You will not get good stain results unless you sand it down to bare wood. Also, if you change the existing (original) color, you will probably adversely affect the value." To underscore...you will remove value...having worked for many years in antique trade.
Hi all,
Any recommendations for what I should clean it with before waxing?
I would probably use mineral spirits. That would not only remove dirt, but it would also remove any remaining old wax and oils. Others might have other ideas.
Damp rag and elbow grease...maybe a soft nylon brush along with it. Without knowing what the finish is I would avoid solvents. I don't know of a finish that will reactivate with light moisture.
When the damp rags stop getting dirty call it good. Let it dry, hit it with wax, and send it down the road.
Mineral Spirits are usually a safe place to start, but always test in an inconspicuous area first. You can also use soaps like Murphys Oil Soap if you don't want to use solvents or it seems to be adversely affecting the finish.
The insides of the drawers and the underside of the table have unfinished wood that is very dry. Would it be okay to use cleaner-type wax on them. Or, best just to leave them alone to avoid splitting or the like?
I really wouldn't bother. And if you wax the insides of the drawers, it will make stuff smell for a long time.
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